For individuals who discover it tough to embrace typical vacation cheer, there’s another celebration that lets you maintain your temper down: Festivus.
Celebrated yearly on December 23, Festivus provides a reprieve from conventional vacation norms for many who want to channel their “bah humbug!” as a substitute of collaborating in Christmas festivities. And with the challenges of the previous couple of years, many could contemplate Festivus a cathartic outlet.
Festivus originated from the hit TV present Seinfeld in 1997, the place George Costanza (performed by Jason Alexander) revealed that his father, Frank Costanza (performed by the late Jerry Stiller), created the vacation as a method to distinction the business and spiritual facets of the standard December holidays.
The vacation, crammed with quirky traditions, rapidly gained consideration and have become a popular culture phenomenon, with the slogan “Festivus for the remainder of us!” gaining widespread reputation.
In truth, Festivus’ roots could return even additional, to 1966, when Seinfeld author Dan O’Keefe first heard his father suggest the vacation. But it surely was Seinfeld episode that solidified the day in vacation custom.
In contrast to the standard Christmas tree, Festivus is marked by a easy, unadorned pole. However maybe essentially the most well-known custom is the “airing of grievances”, the place people specific their frustrations and disappointments.
It is a time to vent all of the frustrations of the previous yr — a follow that will really feel particularly obligatory after the turmoil of the pandemic. Whereas it could be tempting to complain about all the pieces that went improper, it is vital to take action thoughtfully.
After airing grievances, the Festivus custom calls for a bodily problem – wrestling. It is a light-hearted method to ease rigidity with mates or household, though it is vital to maintain it secure and enjoyable. It is a quirky custom that enables everybody to let off steam and benefit from the absurdity of the day.
Whereas Festivus provides a possibility to vent, complain and launch frustrations, it is vital to steadiness this with a humorousness and just a little positivity.
Even Frank Costanza, the creator of Festivus, managed to smile occasionally. So for those who’re celebrating this distinctive vacation, go forward – air your grievances and problem somebody to a wrestling match, however attempt to go away just a little house for gratitude and pleasure, regardless of how laborious it could be to seek out it.
